Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 176 - 174: Scared to take the panties off?

A shy smile curved her lips. She stood and turned her back to him, her voice lowering into something soft.

"Then... do it for me," she said. "Undo the world from my shoulders. Take your time."

Azrael’s heart skipped at the sound of her words. He stepped closer. Carefully, he lifted her hair and drew it forward over her shoulders, exposing the smooth line of her neck and back.

His fingers followed slowly, tracing the length of her spine as if memorising the softness of her skin.

Athena’s breath caught at the feather-light touch, a quiet shiver running through her as the room seemed to narrow to just the two of them.

Slowly Azrael loosened the zip of her dress, revealing her soft black net bra beneath.

He bent slowly and planted a soft kiss on her back, and Athena leaned into his touch.

His hand slid up to her shoulders and pulled down the dress until it fell to the floor, leaving Athena in just her net panties and bra.

Damn the sight of her in those panties was enough to make him hard in an instant. He didn’t know what the hell the girl was doing to him. All he knew was all rational thoughts disappear when she’s around.

This might be the mate bond messing with him, but frankly, he doesn’t care, Even if he drowns in this ocean made of her.

If he took the panties off, that would literally be the end of him. She was able to make him go wild with clothes on, what more, if she stood name in front of him.

As much as his beast was beginning him to claim her, he would love to take his time and not scare her with his impatience.

Slowly, Athena faced him, arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer. "Scared to take the panties off?" she asked, her voice playful, teasing.

Azrael looked away with a small, shy smile tugging at his lips. "Are... are you always this bold?" he said, scratching the back of his neck.

Athena giggled softly, leaning closer so her forehead rested against his. "Oh? Nervous, are we?" she teased, her voice low and playful.

Azrael shook his head quickly, trying to hide the blush spreading across his cheeks. "I-I’m not nervous," he stammered, but the faint curve of his lips betrayed him.

Athena raised a brow, eyes sparkling. "Mmh... really? Because you look like a little boy caught doing something he shouldn’t."

Azrael groaned dramatically, pressing a hand to his face. "I am not, you’re just... intimidating me, that’s all."

She laughed, a soft melodic sound that made his heart skip. "Intimidating? I’m just being honest. You should be proud I trust you enough to be like this around you."

Azrael finally looked at her, their eyes locking, and despite his embarrassment, he couldn’t help but smile. "Well... if that’s the case... maybe I am proud," he murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

Athena leaned into his touch, teasing him further. "You know... for someone so brave, you sure are really a shy little kitten."

Azrael’s smile widened, though he tried to hide it, scratching the back of his neck. "I’m not a little kitten!" he protested, but his voice lacked conviction.

Athena shook her head, laughing. "Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that," she whispered, her arms tightening slightly around his neck, pulling him closer.

Azrael’s hands rested lightly on her waist, heart pounding. "Fine... maybe I am a little nervous. But only because... because you make me feel things I’ve never felt before."

Athena’s eyes softened, and she rested her forehead against his again. "I like that," she murmured, "makes me feel like we’re... perfectly human. Perfectly us."

Azrael chuckled, brushing his nose gently against hers. "Perfectly us.... Hmmm? I could get used to that."

Athena grinned, her fingers tracing his jawline. "Good. Because you’re stuck with me, I’m never letting you go."

Azrael laughed, shaking his head, but this time with genuine warmth. "I guess I don’t mind being stuck... as long as it’s with you."

She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, making him blush even deeper. "Then no backing out," she teased.

"I wouldn’t dream of it," he whispered, brushing a hand over hers, holding it to his chest.

Athena pulled away from his embrace, her fingers lifting to the clasp of her bra. She had barely touched it when Azrael’s voice stopped her.

"There’s no need for that," he said softly.

She paused, glancing back at him "Why?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Azrael let out a small breath, half a laugh, half a confession. "Because I’m not sure I’d be able to handle you like that... and still behave," he admitted, eyes dark with honesty. "Not when I’m trying to take my time with you."

Her cheeks flushed instantly, warmth spreading far beyond the room. Before she could respond, he stepped closer, his hands settling at her waist, then sliding slowly along her back.

"I’ve already pictured everything," he murmured near her ear, his voice low and sincere. "Every moment. And I don’t want to rush a single one."

Her heart raced at his words. "And now?" she asked quietly, barely above a whisper.

Azrael smiled, brushing his thumb along her side. "Now... we just bathe."

She nodded shyly.

He guided her gently into the bathroom, moving with her as though the world outside no longer existed. Azrael filled up the bath tub.

He stepped in first, then reached out to her without a word, helping her settle between his legs.

Athena leaned back against him, resting her head on his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat grounding her. From behind, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as if she belonged there.

His fingers traced a slow, absent-minded circles on her stomach, soothing, while his lips brushed along her neck. Athena shivered despite the heat of the water, her breath hitching softly.

Azrael smiled against her skin, tightening his embrace just a little.